BJP Strengthens Youth Wing with Key Additions from Student Organizations in Assam
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam received a substantial boost to its youth cadre when several former student leaders formally joined the party at its state headquarters in Guwahati on Saturday. The event marked a strategic expansion of the party's organizational reach, particularly among younger voters and student communities across the state.
Former Aasu General Secretary Leads Youth Brigade into BJP Fold
The joining ceremony was spearheaded by Sankor Jyoti Baruah, the former general secretary of the All Assam Students' Union (Aasu), who brought along over a dozen youth leaders from various organizations. This move is particularly noteworthy as it creates an interesting dynamic in Assam's political landscape, where another faction of Aasu leaders, led by former general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi, has been actively opposing the BJP from the opposition camp.
Baruah emphasized that his delegation included representatives from diverse backgrounds, including student bodies, tea tribe communities, and Gorkha organizations. "When we join a political party, we have to be guided by that political party," Baruah stated, signaling his commitment to working within the BJP's framework and ideology.
CM Sarma Welcomes New Members with Clear Expectations
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally welcomed Baruah and his team into the BJP, acknowledging their potential to strengthen the party's organizational activities. However, he offered a pragmatic perspective on immediate political aspirations. "They are joining just before the assembly polls and thus should not expect a ticket. We welcome them, and they can work on the party's platform. But it is difficult to get a party ticket tomorrow after joining today," Sarma clarified during the event.
This statement underscores the BJP's approach to integrating new members while managing expectations about electoral candidacies, particularly when individuals join close to election cycles.
Baruah Praises Development Initiatives and Leadership
In his address, Baruah highlighted the developmental achievements of both the BJP-led central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government under Chief Minister Sarma. "We joined BJP today to be part of the developmental journey," he declared, expressing confidence in the leadership of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia.
Reflecting on his extensive tenure with Aasu, Baruah reaffirmed his commitment to public service, stating he would continue serving as "a servant of the people." His speech also touched upon India's enhanced global standing under the current administration and Assam's specific progress under Sarma's governance.
Diverse Group of Prominent Figures Join BJP
The event saw several other notable individuals entering the BJP fold, including:
- Manoj Kumar Mahanta, former principal of Pragjyotish College
- Trina Sharma, a popular singer
- Dipankar Oja, a recognized youth leader
- Hemanta Kumar Deuri, a retired finance department officer
Additionally, former leaders from key student organizations such as the All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam and the Assam Tea Tribes Students Association, primarily from upper Assam regions, joined the party during the ceremony.
Senior BJP Leadership Oversees Strategic Expansion
The joining program was conducted in the presence of prominent BJP figures, demonstrating the party's strategic focus on this expansion. Key attendees included:
- Dilip Saikia, Assam BJP president
- Harish Dwivedi, Assam BJP in-charge
- Ravindra Raju, organizational general secretary
- Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs
- Jayanta Mallabaruah, cabinet minister
This collective presence of senior leadership underscores the importance the BJP places on strengthening its youth and student outreach as election preparations intensify across Assam.
